Tom Christopulos is retiring from his position as Ogden City’s Community & Economic Development Director after 15 years of service. Tom has directed many transformational projects that have resulted in Ogden’s economic growth and community revitalization. Tom is also recognized throughout Utah and the country as a thought leader in economic development. Tom’s leadership in economic development is built on his philosophy that “economic development is about creating opportunity – and opportunity not just financially, but also opportunity for people to advance their lives socially, spiritually, and in every other way.”
During his tenure at Ogden City, Tom directed major projects and initiatives such as the development of Business Depot Ogden (BDO), Ogden Business Exchange, Riverbend Ogden, and The Junction; the Quality Neighborhoods Initiative and related housing projects, including Oak Den Bungalows and Stone Hill Homes; and catalytic investments in the New Bridge Elementary School, WSU Downtown/Startup Ogden, and the American Can Center. Within the Community & Economic Development Department, Tom has supported the growth of the Arts, Culture & Events division; expanded the small business financing programs offered by the Business Information Center; and overseen the projects of the Redevelopment Agency. Most importantly, Tom has shaped Ogden City’s economic development policy through his focus on investing in projects that generate new revenues to sustain and enhance the financial well-being of the community. The MAKE Ogden plan, which provides a 25-year vision for Downtown Ogden, is based upon this framework of revenue generation and financial sustainability.
Tom has also contributed to economic and community development efforts across Utah. He helped create the Utah Economic Alliance in 1996 and acted as its first president; has served as a board member of Utah CDC since 1996; and is a current board member of the Utah Center for Neighborhood Stabilization and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis.
Before Tom joined Ogden City, he was the President and Chief Financial Officer of Singleedge, a data center and pioneer in cloud-based infrastructure to the internet. Tom graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in International Relations and his graduate degree was obtained from Pepperdine University. He is the father of eight children and has fifteen grandchildren.
Reflecting on his career with Ogden City, Tom observed, “It’s been 20 years of trying to push the redevelopment cycle, and the renaissance of the community. And the thing is, it just doesn’t stop. We’re always in a process of renewal, because if you aren’t, you’re going to go the other direction.” Ogden City is deeply grateful for Tom’s leadership to continually advance the renewal and growth of our community, and for the enduring legacy of his community and economic development work.
